Super Smash Quest² - Story - Chapter 46: Short-sighted Plans

Metal Man (GM): The group worked with BLU to defeat RED. Then after that, they fought and destroyed Team Rocket--mainly because Giovanni chose death over failure. The group is now in a partially-constructed Stadium, sort of sitting around while the Engineer slowly builds, piece by piece, each room and each facility. The prominent installation of defense systems is obvious to all who visit this stadium. The group would be sitting around in the half-finished practice area. Nothing much is going on besides construction.

Kenku has been standing by the engie watching him do his work, and going to get metal for when the engie has need for it.

Garrick is pacing in small circles around the practice area, murmuring to himself.

Oushi: *Walks up to the rest of the group out of nowhere, his hair is back even though it was shaved off.*

Deloth has a comfortable seat on the ground, watching construction progress.

Digifanatic: "Yeah, I'm here."

Deloth: "Over here, Garrick."

Kenku gets up and starts to walk over to Garrick "What's up?"

Garrick: "Right. We all need to get some stuff hammered out before we get back to work on the stadium. Just some general stuff."

Dragoshi: *Nods.*

Oushi: *Yawns and lays down.*

Digifanatic: "Alright, I'm listening."

Deloth gets up and heads over to Garrick so that he doesn't have to yell.

Kenku walks over and listens in.

Andrew walks over to the large group of Questers.

Garrick: "First thing is first. If we're going to reassert ourselves as Questers like we did before, we're going to have to re-establish a few things."

Dragoshi: *Moseys on along.* "Such as?"

Garrick ticks things off on his fingers. "One, we're going to need to settle on how we're going to do our work. Are we going to protect the Stadium, the city, the entire planet?"

Oushi: *Stands up and walks over.*

Garrick: "Second, we're going to have to settle on a new leader."

Deloth: "Not me. I have the leadership skills of plywood."

Garrick: "Well, we'll get back to that."

Andrew: "Seeing as we lack teleporter technology now, it all depends on if we have the ability to travel. As for the leader thing; I still think you have the ability."

Garrick: "Third, we're probably going to have to make a name for ourselves other than 'paid mercenaries'. It's not good for what we're trying to accomplish. Fourth, we're definitely going to have to get in touch with people who'd qualify as Smashers. That's really all I got."

Digifanatic: "Alright, then... number one, I agree with Andrew."

Deloth: "Yeah, Garrick, I think you're the choice for leader."

Digifanatic: "For now, I'd keep our services to a close proximity until we can get our hands on warping capabilities that can go around the whole planet--heck, we don't even know how large this planet is."

Garrick nods a few times. "I'd tend to agree with the whole travel thing. We'd need something a bit stronger than that puddle jumper to get from place to place. We might look into Arwings or trying to recreate the MTAs."

Digifanatic: "Oh, nice."

Oushi: "I'd be leader, but I doubt everybody wants to be depressed all day and do nothing."

Garrick: "As for leadership... I'd figure that a veteran should take it."

Deloth: "I could TRY to be the leader, I'm just saying that I'm not sure how I'd do. This isn't a situation that I had invested much thought into."

Digifanatic: "I may be a veteran in this business, but my intention never was to be a long-term leader/boss/whatever."

Kenku: "To me, you right now are the best to lead Garrick if your still in the running."

Garrick: "Well, knowing Julian, he just wants to make money. He'd be more of a financial tycoon than a leader." *He shrugs.*

Digifanatic: "Yeah, I was thinking you as well, Garrick. Julian would have been second."

Garrick: "Or Ari. I didn't think about Ari."

Kenku: "Ari is a possibility too."

Digifanatic: "Well, I know you had all that military experience and whatnot before finding yourself here, right?"

Metal Man (GM): The Engineer continues working silently on walls, building the area up.

Garrick: "Yeah. I lead a few squads during some conflicts."

Digifanatic: "There ya go."

Garrick: "It's not like the Questers, but seeing Metal do it and knowing what he did wrong more often than not is better than nothing."

Digifanatic: "Besides, no offense, but I think it's better that we have someone with... a fiery personality like yours, to keep us."

Aribar jumps up to attention; before he was literally sleeping on his feet while leaning on one of the nearby walls.

Garrick: "Heh... well, if Drag and Ari okay it, I'll take the position."

Digifanatic: "When you're a nice guy, you're great, but I wouldn't want to be on the other end of your bad side, especially if I was an insane supervillain trying to take over the planet."

Garrick glances to Aribar, raising his eyebrow. "You awake?"

Aribar: "Er, yes. Completely and totally! ... Now, that is." *The mage stifles a yawn, tired out from all of the high-level spellcasting he did in the last battle.*

Deloth: "You should take up not sleeping like I did. Eight free hours every night."

Garrick: "You hear what we've been talking about?"

Aribar: "Something to deal with a position... Leadership and some points or something."

Garrick: "Well, most people are saying me. Would you be okay with that?"

Aribar: "I believe that you would be a good leader; you've been with us for years and know how we work, plus I believe you've had some experience before you came to the Questers. You are certainly one I could look towards for leadership."

Garrick nods, then looks to Drag. "And you?"

Dragoshi: "I don't mind either way."

Garrick nods a few times. "Well... alright then. I suppose this is where I take over with the hairdryer of doom or some such. Since that's the case..." He reaches into his pocket, pulling out something that jangles and tossing one to each person that isn't Julian, Ari, Digi, Del, or Drag. "There. Quester Badges. So you don't feel left out."

Digifanatic: "Heh, where'd ya pick up the spares?"

Metal Man (GM): The Engineer looks around, the room you're in being complete now. He quickly smacks some lightbulbs into existence. Wait, how does he do that? Who knows...

Kenku blinks and sticks it on his shirt "Uh, thanks."

Garrick: "Had the Engineer make them. He saw it, nodded, slammed his wrench on some pieces of iron and bam."

Garrick: "Engineer has a steady supply of metal and he's working along. I have a few things in mind for him and BLU after they're done, but I'll mess with that later. As for now, we can do a few things. First thing is first, though. We should get in contact with Robotnik."

Deloth: "Oh, joy."

Garrick: "We promised we'd let him have his two cents in on the whole ship deal. And the stadium."

Digifanatic: "Ah yes."

Dragoshi: "Yep."

Kenku: "I see."

Metal Man (GM): Bear with me a moment, I must push a button.

Garrick: "Thing is, I'm not sure HOW to contact him. I doubt our hand radios can send a message that far. Cause, quite literally... I have no flippin' clue where he is."

Kenku: "Probably something to address in base construction."

Aribar: "Well, we do know where his base i... Oh, right... Destroyed airship."

Garrick: "Right."

Deloth: "Maybe Tails could amp our radios?"

Garrick: "...is... Tails around?"

Kenku: "Well... it's not destroyed, just out of commission for a while..."

Deloth: "... ...I'll just shut up now."

Garrick: "Oh... well, maybe the ship's radio is working still."

Garrick heads in the direction of where ever the hell the ship is, going to get the radio working. He goes to do that, then...

Metal Man (GM): The ship's radio...

Garrick steps inside the busted up ship, frowning a bit before moving to the radio, looking it over...

Metal Man (GM): The Questers would notice a brief, rainbow-shaped explosion as they left HQ. Nothing remains of Oushi when it dissipates.

Kenku blinks and looks over at where Oushi was. "What in the world?"

Garrick glances, reaching down to pick up the fallen badge and pocketing it before moving to the ship.

Deloth: "...well."

Digifanatic: "What the heck? Someone fooling around with us?"

Deloth somehow feels pleased, for some reason.

Metal Man (GM): Beware, the antimatter rainbow House of Lords wig! Garrick walks on over into the ship. The mostly broken controls are good enough to display some red text.

Garrick: "...oh, jeez... Red Text, are you watching us again?"

Dragoshi: "...well, that was... A thing."

Red Text: 'Sorry about that. It appears that entire person was a dimensional anomaly... and it just took a while for my anti-distortion device to kick in. Since you yourselves were here when I used it on him. Is there any reason your ship is taking an incredibly long time to receive signals?'

Dragoshi: "Huh. Ca-razeh. Yes. It had the crap kicked out of it by a giant mecha." :x

Red Text: 'Hm, well. Contact me if you need information... I am still up here.'

Metal Man (GM): The text fades. The ship's panels are quite messed up... The radio, however, just needs a quick fix job.

Garrick pulls out his tools, minor as they are, and slips under the panel to work on it. "You know, I wish I knew how the Engineer did what he did... it's be easy to hit something and have it build."

Metal Man (GM): Garrick gets it half put together, but it just makes loud noise and sparks. Gonna need more work to finish the job.

Dr. Robotnik: "I'm afraid that is an impossible proposition. Even if I wanted to, the building must have already been stuck into the ground with some form of foundations. Unless... it is just a tent." He chuckles.

Deloth: "Well, that's our first job for you anyways. Sorry, looks like you'll need to put your plans on hold."

Garrick: "Well, hold on."

Dr. Robotnik: "Where is the person who wanted my help in the first place, anyway? I know you simply wish to use as much of my GENIUS for your plans rather than see mine occur, but what matters is if I still have a place in this... profit-making idea."

Garrick: "Hold on, doc."

Julian: *And hey Julian's there now.* "Hey what's goin' on. I was jus' lookin' out for some mo' buildin' locations."

Garrick: "You do, of course. You're quite the doctor yourself, that's easy to see. What we're thinking of is some defenses that our current constructor hasn't thought of, yet. He's good, maybe even as good as you... you should come meet him."

Panzer sits in a chair and waits for them all to quit the meaningless chatter.

Rinith: "..."

Dr. Robotnik: "Well, if it involves potential technology sharing... I shall come. I will be there... in a moment. Robotnik out." *Click.*

Engineer: "Nope, I already have it at full speed. It can't be accelerated except with another engineer."

Dr. Robotnik: "..." *Picks at his mustache.*

Rinith: "Well, Eggman, your good with ships, why not work on this one?"

Julian: *Assume Julian's been following along all this time.* "How much of a cut are we talkin'? Havin' zero loss through theft might offset the cost."

Panzer: "Lessee... I haven't downloaded anything but ... Wait. I know this one..." *pop-up.* "GODDAMMIT." She tries to delete it. She looks out a Eggman, poking her head through a hole. "YOU DID THIS! YOU PUT THIS PSYCHO IN MY BRAIN."

Deloth wonders idly if tranquilizers work on Reploids.

Dr. Robotnik: "Well, I want... 25%."

Deloth walks over to Panzer and taps her on the shoulder. "Can you calm down, please?"

Metal Man (GM): Panzer is unable to delete the program.

Kenku looks to Garrick and whispers "That sounds a little steep... and do we really want him working on the casino?"

Panzer is in the wrecked ship, sticking her head out a hole somewhere.

Red Text: 'I'll get out of your systems if you bring me... Vile's head.'

Panzer: "What the hell do you want with Vava?"

Deloth: "That's the crazy cat lady Panzer. Treat her as you would unstable explosives."

Panzer: "I AM NOT UNSTABLE!"

Red Text: 'It is impractical to be on the surface. But if I can use his head to build my own remote-control body, then I can be with you all the time.'

Dragoshi: *Chuckles.*

Garrick walks back over to the others, having sat off wondering about something before moving to Julian and Robotnik.

Panzer: "Be with me? You're like a forced imaginary friend that bugs you all the fucking time."

Garrick: "Alright, what's the situation?"

Red Text: 'Thus the loss of being able to see from your eyes and access your files is accounted for. And... if these files are right, you don't like Vile.'

Julian walks away from the Thug and back over to Eggy and Engie, shaking his head. "Don't goddamn listen... Thugs ain't bitin', Bot. You got any other kinda buildin's you can make? Like say, a hotel or somethin'? We gonna need someplace for peeps to stay."

Digifanatic: "Red Text implanted his program into Panzer and she's freaking out."

Dr. Robotnik: "I can work with this man." He points to the Engineer.

Panzer: "We have our differences. Vava is an asshole, I'll give you that."

Garrick: "Yeah, that was the plan I had when I called him in, Julian."

Panzer looks at Garrick. "You made him start bugging me again?"

Garrick: "With Robotnik's ideas and the Engineer's building capacity, we can come up with some really nice stuff."

Garrick is totally no where near Panzer.

Red Text: 'You're looking like... what's a Charles Magellean?'

Panzer: "Great. Now I'm talking to people that aren't there at all."

Julian: "We're gonna need roads, too. Airports, hotels, convention centers... an' eventually stuff to make this place a real city an' not just a destination place."

Red Text: 'Is it a kind of donut? Or a lawyer?'

Panzer: "I have no idea what it is. Maybe it's a hair style."

Rinith: "How long would all of that take...?"

Red Text: 'Hair style... I guess so.'

Panzer: "We'll go with that. I hate you. I have to wear my armor all the fucking time now."

Dr. Robotnik: "Oh... so are you suggesting..." He moves his arms out wide. "This be a part of the Eggman empire?"

Panzer: "Go infect something else."

Garrick: "...alright, let me get something straight here."

Red Text: 'I am a gentleman, I would never ever dare use the link for such purposes.'

Garrick moves up to Robotnik, looking him square in the eye.

Red Text: 'Especially since you're a reploid. Ick. What do I care about nuts and bolts?'

Panzer: "I didn't mean that. I meant you might see the special way I clean my armor and keep it up. Jebus. Gross."

Deloth: "..."

Garrick: "I have a lot of respect for you, but this is our territory. We're going to make this stadium a forerunner in this world. Both for entertaining and protection."

Julian: "NO. We're jus' usin' you as a contractor. This gonna be our house."

Red Text: 'I have better things to do than see that.'

Garrick: "Yeah. What he said."

Deloth: "...I feel like I really shouldn't be watching this..."

Panzer: "Then do them and stop looking at what I see... Do you know where my tank is?"

Garrick: "That being, you and the Engineer working together can do some incredible things."

Dr. Robotnik: "Well... if I build an entire city... I had better get some massive compensation. For my GENIUS at city planning is unmatched."

Red Text: 'I'll find you one if you find me Vile's head.'

Panzer: "I don't even know where Vava -is.-"

Garrick: "We don't NEED you to build an entire city. The people of this city want to do it themselves."

Julian: "You're jus' an OPTION."

Garrick: "And I don't plan on helping them unless they ask for it. It's a pride thing." *He nods at Julian, looking back to Robotnik.*

Panzer: "My core material is becoming faulty. I need a new fuel source or I shut down."

Engineer: "That's a lot of radioactive material. And all we have is radioactive soda cans."

Garrick: "We can probably come up with something a little less... dangerous, Panzer."

Panzer: "That's it?"

Deloth: "...Soda cans?"

Engineer: "The good stuff got lost at home."

Panzer: "No, that's all I can have. I need twelve in actuality, but I can function on six."

Engineer: "Anyway..." He walks over the corner and then returns with his whole team.

Panzer: "But not for long."

Rinith: O.o *has no idea what's being said right now.*

Metal Man (GM): The Demo-man, Scout, Spy, etc.

Garrick: "Alright then."

Panzer grumbles. "Hunter HQ might have some. I should go there." She nods. Then she's talking to herself again. "Where can I get 12 U232 rods?"

Garrick opens his arms a little wide, talking to the mass of them at once.

Engineer: "Wait a minute... you're low on fuel?"

Metal Man (GM): He chuckles.

Engineer: "Any machine can be fixed this way."

Metal Man (GM): He smacks Panzer with the wrench.

Panzer: "I've been running on old rods for a century." -.- "... OWW!" She falls over.

Metal Man (GM): The wrench somehow transmogrifies the metal in his wrench to uranium. All the reactors now have brand new rods in them.

Garrick: "I know that we've asked you guys a lot. We've helped you, you've helped us. You've helped us a LOT more than we imagined you would. So, I'm going to lay a few things on the table for you guys."

Engineer: "For a moment there I thought you were a stationary reactor. That'd be beyond my wrench."

Panzer: "What in the hell was that for! I think you knocked something loose..." She gets an internal alert that her fuel is replenished. "Oh. Awesome. Next time, warn me before you hit me."

Engineer: "Sure thing."

Garrick: "First, we can attempt to send you guys back to your own dimension. I heard that Ari mention that he can attempt to send you back via magic. Personally, I don't like the idea, cause warping has kinda been a bust so far. But we can try. You have that promise."

Panzer gets up and resets her jaw and rubs it. "Oww..That thing hurts." She goes back to the airship and tries to fix it, looking up the distance to the Maverick Continent.

Engineer: "Well, that part's all good."

Metal Man (GM): The airship is hopelessly damaged for Panzer to fix. However, that wrench repaired Panzer in one hit, and... Eggman is skulking about too.

Garrick: "Second, you can go on your own. Once the stadium is done, it's a done deal. You don't bother us, we don't bother you. If we need eachother's help, calls will be made and such. You can enlist Quester help like anyone."

Panzer pokes Eggy. "Hey~"

Garrick: "Third... and this is my main offer..."

Engineer: "Nothing new or surprising so far... hmmm?"

Dr. Robotnik: "Ah, it is you. Are you as much a third wheel as I feel?"

Panzer: "Something like that. I'm going to go play spy. Tell me something, did you create the Red Text program?"

Garrick: "You can all become members of the Stadium. Your scientists would have labs where they can explore and experiment on whatever they wish. We would prefer it be for Quester related tech to help us in the field, but that's not required. Your announcer woman we be great as a commentator for the fights we're gonna have."

Andrew: "Ah, that was the best port-a-potty/shower ever. They really have high quality building systems."

Garrick: "As for you nine... you would all be extended offers to become Stadium Smashers. With all the rights and perks of the title."

Dr. Robotnik: "...And of course, unless you wish to be a part of my computer systems, unplug it and hand it back."

Andrew: "Newbie computer geek." *Points to power glove."

Panzer: "Very well, cross me and I kill you." She hands it back and a port opens on her back for him to use. It's just under her neckline.

Kenku: "It's no problem with talking to him." *He says to Panzer before saying more softly...* "He's just not the best person to trust... and I still think you have your idea of what is Red Text wrong!"

Dr. Robotnik: "...How many PHDs do you have, then?"

Metal Man (GM): He plugs it in.

Garrick: "Welp, guys, welcome to the group. Now, if you'll excuse me... I'm going to go see what the hell is going on over here."

Andrew: "Spyware alert~"

Red Text: 'You will come crawling back to me when he's done with y---'

Metal Man (GM): *BEEP* The program is uninstalled.

Panzer: "Yes. No more than RT. Finally."

Metal Man (GM): Eggman takes the computer back.

Rinith: o.- "Huh."

Garrick frowns as he moves to Panzer and the others. "Everyone okay over here...?"

Julian: *Terrorist fist jab!* "This shit's all virtual... well, 'least it was. Dunno what you're gonna do for the stage itself, but that's yo' problem. Welcome to the team." *And with that Julian heads over to where everyone else is.* "The fuck is goin' on over here?"

Andrew sends an email to Red Text, "What was the program again?"

Kenku blinks. "Kinda confused..."

Panzer pulls the plug out and closes the panel, brushing her fur back down on it. "So much better. Thanks." She runs a system diagnostic.

Dr. Robotnik: "Now... if you care what I think, you can help me. Otherwise..." *He shrugs.* "I just hate Red Text. Annoying him will be considered payment enough."

Metal Man (GM): Panzer gets a clear diagnostic. In fact, systems are far less messed up than before, between Eggman and the Engineer.

Engineer: "Virtual... hm."

Panzer nods. "All green. I'll help you now. Thanks."

Dr. Robotnik: "Oh nothing, I just cleaned up a problem with Red Text. You were too busy talking to the hard-hat to notice. And did I hear virtual? I doubt this person can do virtual reality. Unlike... me! So I assume you want... some of my virtual reality generators in the stadium?"

Engineer: "Awfully strange thing you call a 'team'... I never have those problems."

Deloth: "Stop laughing, please. I'm getting a headache."

Metal Man (GM): The other team members are wandering about and acting as sentries. Not much else goin' on here. The ship remains busted for the moment, though.

Panzer: "Hey, give me some of that whiskey, would you?"

Garrick: "Meh. If Panzer wants to go and do what she wants then I'll let her. She'll be kinda sore when she doesn't get paid for missions, though..."

Demoman: "Sure!" *Hic.* *Hands Panzer the bottle... then produces another one for himself.*

Deloth: "Mmm. Any of you guys got any aspirin?"

Panzer starts swillin' it down.

Digifanatic: "I wish."

Metal Man (GM): It tastes both like whiskey and something pretty fiery, as usual for the Demoman's swill.

Panzer: "This stuff is awesome. Wouldn't mind a few smokes to eat with it."

Garrick: "Go talk to the Medic. He might have something."

Demoman: "The spy, he says he will have to cut back on giving you those until he finds a new store to rob!"

Deloth: "I thought he said that his stuff didn't work on us?"

Metal Man (GM): The Medic is staring at a wall.

Kenku: "Hey Garrick." *He says.* "I know the ship is down, but I was wondering if it was ok about checking out the rest of the island, I mean, we wouldn't want something coming out of the woodwork cause we didn't get something dealt with them or something?"

Garrick: "Well, that cabinet of theirs worked."

Panzer: "No. Garrick takes all his smokes. I usually find my own."

Medic: "Some time I'll have something to do... some time..."

Garrick looks over to Kenku.

Deloth: "...Guess it's worth a try. MEDIC!"

Garrick: "There's not much to this island but what we've seen, but it's a good enough idea. We can explore a bit once we have this place more locked down in defense."

Panzer: "So. How long you been blowing stuff up for?"

Garrick: "We've gotta work on planning roads and bridges. Or some form of transportation."

Kenku nods.

Julian: "Whole island's either civilization or jungle... or wasteland. Ain't much left to scout."

Medic: *Walks over to Deloth.* "What is it?"

Deloth: "You got any painkillers? My head hurts."

Julian: "I don't think we got any gapin' chasms or rivers between here an' Capital/Central City. Roads' all we need."

Demoman: "Since I was a leetle baby, I blew things up with my tiny little fingers. Hahahahaha, so many exploded bullies!"

Garrick: "Yeah, but what about stuff OUTSIDE the island?"

Medic: "Go to the med cabinet, then." He points at a medical cabinet.

Panzer laughs. "Awesome. I have been killing since the day I was activated."

Deloth walks over there and pops it open.

Julian: "Boats? 'Swhy I suggested the airport."

Kenku: "Thats going to require the ship up... we could ask Robotnik about that although."

Metal Man (GM): (This is on the wall, where people can then look at it)

Garrick: "Eh, fair enough."

Demoman: "Ach... besides alcohol, the sound of explosions helps me get through the day."

Julian: "Can't haul everybody around in the compact."

Panzer nods. "I hear you on that. Where is that sniper anyway?"

Dr. Robotnik: "Oh yes... you could use the airport." He chuckles, as if that's a hilarious idea.

Digifanatic: "Hi. I figured that since you're good with physical conditions and things like that, I'd like to ask you a question regarding one of our colleagues."

Panzer pokes Robotnik.

Digifanatic: "I believe he was the guy looking for your aspirin."

Kenku: "That sounds like a good idea actually... would definitely like to return Vile the favor from last time..."

Dr. Robotnik: "What is it now? Want to know what I have planned?"

Medic: "Yes, what can I do for him... or you?"

Panzer: "Sure. I was also wondering if you could do me another favor and send me to the Maverick continent?"

Digifanatic: "But anyways, ever since we arrived in this dimension, he's had to put up with this inexplicable transformation, and none of us have any idea why that happened or what he's transformed into... perhaps you have a background in biology well enough to know what he is? I figure you being a doctor and all you've probably had a good history in studying biology, right?"

Medic: "Well." He takes out a bone saw. "I would suspect he is an alien. Aliens morph a lot. ...But most of you are also aliens. Like... him." He points to Dragoshi.

Garrick: "...yeah, and you'll get killed." *He starts up the takeoff sequence, locking in on the Mushroom Kingdom and flying in that direction, pressing the engines up slowly so not to fry them when they're newly fixed.*

Panzer: "No. I'm a Maverick. They won't bother me. But if you guys come, they'll associate me with you and I'll die."

Garrick: "And if you go to kill Vile on your own, you'll die anyway."

Deloth: *snores.*

Panzer: "Who said I was going to kill him?"

Julian: "That's what you do."

Kenku: "You did I thought."

Garrick flips the ship onto auto-pilot, turning to regard them.

Rinith: "If I'm not a Quester can I join you? Or is it just the whole not a... reploid? thing...?"

Garrick: "Ah. Right." *He reaches into his pocket for a spare badge, tossing it to Rinith.* "Consider yourself a full Quester."

Rinith: *catchs it.* o.O

Metal Man (GM): The ship begins flying to the mushroom kingdom.

Julian: "Hey, you got the dead guy's one."

Rinith: "Thanks..."

Panzer: "You guys going to drop me off where I need to be at? Could be a bonus to get the Hunters to join us."

Garrick: "No, we're going to do this first, then we'll head to the Maverick area. Shouldn't take long."

Metal Man (GM): The ship goes to Peach's castle and lands.

Panzer: "What're you going to go do?"

Garrick: "Offer Mario a position as a Smasher."

Julian: "Gotta boost the roster some how."

Panzer: "He's already a smasher. Hell. I should be a smasher, oh self-appointed-leader." -.-

Deloth: *tiredly.* "Could you keep it down, please?"

Julian: "No bodies gonna pay to see a bunch'a nobodies like us an' the BLU team go at it."

Garrick: "No, he's not. Not in this world. And I'm not self-appointed."

Panzer: "Apparently."

Garrick: "And you're not a Smasher, you're a Quester."

Panzer: "I'm not a Quester."

Garrick: "Oh, is that so?"

Panzer: "Yeah."

Garrick: "Then why the hell are you here with us?"

Panzer: "I've been here since it all began. Might as well stick around."

Julian: "So you're a Quester."

Panzer: "You need someone willing to shut some people up. Once again, I am not a Quester."

Rinith finds a pocket for the badge, he got the dead guy's one... finding that oddly fitting, "Terms are terms, a rose by any other name smells just as good."

Garrick: "WE shut people up when they need shutting up."

Panzer: "I'm just here. I'm already in a faction. I am in RepliForce."

Kenku: "RepliForce?"

Panzer: "Uh-huh."

Garrick: "Ah. Well, if that's the case, then I'll drop you off in Maverick country and let you do what you want."

Panzer: "Sounds good to me. Do learn to respect your elders one day."

Garrick: "Uh huh. I give respect when respect is earned."

Panzer: "I don't have to earn shit from you kid. You're not going to help me, what does it matter?" She goes and sits down, laughing.

Garrick leans back in his chair, looking her over for a second.

Panzer just sits, looking at the wall, analyzing something or other.

Deloth sleeps.

Dragoshi: *Just... stays silent.* :V

Garrick sighs softly, turning around.

Deloth: *mumbling.* "Are you two finished?"

Rinith: *blinks.*

Panzer: "Something like that."

Garrick: "You're not a Quester, so I can't tell you what to do. Even if you were, I'd imagine you wouldn't listen to me anyway. So, once we hit Maverick area, I'll drop you off and let you do what you wish. But I will tell you this. If you fuck up, we will come after you. Plain and simple."

Digifanatic: .oO(Now that is the Garrick I voted for.)

Panzer: "Define fuck up? Do you mean betray you?"

Garrick: "Do something that involves hurting someone that doesn't need to be hurt. Or blowing something up that doesn't need to be blown up."

Garrick bows gently. "Your Highness, we we're wanting to speak to you and Mario. Is he available?"

Julian: *bows as well.* "We got an offer for the both'a ya."

Panzer falls asleep on the bridge, waiting.

Kenku bows gently to Peach.

Peach: "One moment."

Metal Man (GM): She rings a bell. Mario pops out of a pipe.

Mario: "What's-a up now?"

Garrick smiles softly at the sight of the plumber. "Alright... Princess Peach. Mario. You probably know by now who we are. We're here to make you an offer."

Peach: "Yes, I couldn't forget after that political change..."

Garrick: "We're currently under construction of the Smash Stadium. A place where we plan on holding fights of all kinds between heroes throughout the world. We're hoping that these fights would help inspire hope and entertain the people of the world. Both of you are notable figures. As such, we'd like to offer the two of you membership to the Stadium as Smashers, with all the rights thereof."

Julian: "All the perks, none'a the work. Sides, if we get you two in on this we get some much-needed credibility."

Mario: "Well, I like-a fighting. But isn't it far away?"

Digifanatic: "Not if you use warp pipes. Like how I see you entered the castle."

Julian: "You got ways to get there."

Garrick: "We're designing a travel system to allow people to move from continent to continent without trouble. Also, as you are both Smashers, you'd have lodging at the Stadium if you wish."

Julian: "How hard is it to hook up a pipe?"

Peach: "When I was young, the pipes once led everywhere. But there's a great, monstrous place underground... we can't go anywhere beyond the continent now."

Mario: "I-a fought the monsters. They-a too tough!"

Garrick glances to Julian. "Something we should look into."

Julian: "Maybe we could do somethin' about that."

Digifanatic: "Any idea what you encountered there?"

Panzer snores. XD

Mario: "Piranha plants... Hammer Brothers... it's a maze of evil!"

Digifanatic: "Ohhh, I was almost suspecting creatures not associated with the Mushroom Kingdom."

Garrick: "If we offer to look into this... would you accept our offer?"

Peach: "Of course!"

Digifanatic: *to Garrick.* "May we extend this to Luigi, as well?"

Garrick smiles at Peach before looking to Mario. "Indeed, your brother would be invited as well."

Julian: "The more the better."

Digifanatic: .oO(Phew.)

Kenku nods.

Mario: "I'll tell him, then. You just... clean up those-a monsters!"

Digifanatic: "Will try."

Garrick: "Alright then. We have business on a continent to the south, but once that is taken care of, we'll look into your problem. With that, we bid you good day."

Mario: "See ya later!"

Kenku bows goodbye to them and walks out.

Garrick bows as well, moving out. He walks straight by Panzer on the way out, heading for the ship.

Julian: "Peace." *Julian exits with the rest.*

Digifanatic: "No problem." *leaves.*

Panzer opens her eyes, motion sensor being tripped. She sits up and rubs her eyes. "Nice nap." She watches the gaggle wander by and walks back to the ship herself.

Kenku enters the ship and straps in.

Digifanatic: *re-strap.*

Deloth: *continues sleeping, mumbling to himself. A lot.*

Garrick straps into the pilot seat, flipping the engine on and taking off without any problems, launching toward Maverick country.

Metal Man (GM): The ship takes off. It has no real problem going there... it'll take a few moments though.

Garrick: "It might be something to do with the medicine cabinet. Then again, it might be just something tiring about everything.

Digifanatic: "I know, that's weird... maybe something's happening with his body chem again... Perhaps his body's trying to relapse into his past form or something. Haven't seen him this tired since he first mentioned he doesn't need to sleep."

Julian: "Maybe that's why he's tired. 'Cause he don't sleep. I'd be tired too if I never got a chance to unwind."

Kenku: "He said he got his energy another way, so I wouldn't see the need to all of the sudden crash."

Metal Man (GM): The ship flies to the Maverick Hunter HQ out easily and lands there.

Kenku: "Maybe Garrick is right although, and it was due to something from the medicine cabinet."

Kenku: "Yea... probably the best to let him... We've got to go deal with someone... or I should say someones... blasted Claw..."

Panzer walks out. "See you then." She scans the area and starts out for the Maverick HQ.

Garrick indeed also unstraps and heads to Maverick Hunter HQ.

Kenku follows Garrick out.

Julian unbuckles and heads for MHHQ.

Digifanatic: *heads out.*

Metal Man (GM): X is at the front desk.

Garrick: "Hey X. I'm glad you're here. Is Zero around? We'd like to talk to the both of you."

Rinith: *follows, trying to take in all the tech around him with little knowledge on it.*

Julian: "How'd you like to beat up people for money?"

X: "I only use my weapons against those who are evil."

Panzer goes looking for Zero.

X: "I am no mercenary... unless you suggest something else."

Metal Man (GM): Zero is busy typing on a computer nearby.

Julian: "Ain't a mercenary job... more like a sport."

Garrick: "Aye. We're offering the two of you places as Stadium Smashers. You'd have all the rights of it."

X: "So, it would be fighting for a competition?"

Julian: "Controlled environments, virtually nothin' can go wrong. Everyone walks away at the end of the day."

Garrick: "Pretty much, yeah."

Julian: "Yeah."

X: "Well, I would be fine with that. Now do you know why we suddenly can't teleport anywhere?"

Garrick: "Hm... no..."

Panzer pokes Zero. "I need a saber."

Julian: "Couldn't tell ya."

Zero: "We could have one made for..." He looks at you. "Oh. You're the one who keeps popping in and out of our data logs. Well, I'd like to ask you why you keep setting off the Maverick alarm. We know your platoon went Maverick quite a while ago. What's strange is you have the virus but don't possess the symptoms."

Julian: "HEY! ZERO! YOU WANT IN ON THIS SHIT?"

Panzer: "My system is Heuristic so I have adapted the virus to my strengths. Want a read-out?"

Zero: *Holds a hand out at Julian.* "I have no problem beating up others for money--they can't possibly beat me." *He looks at Panzer.* "Well, that would make sense, except... most reploids ARE heuristic. Hence... feelings... thoughts, you know? Without it, they're as mindless as the original Megaman was."

Julian: *Looks at Garrick.* "A'ight, we got two more to mark down."

Zero: "The virus is also heuristic, since it keeps adapting."

Panzer: "Then I have no idea. Sorry? I can give you the virus if you want it. It doesn't bug me."

Zero: "Our scanners show it is an old version..."

Panzer: "It tickles a little. Sometimes it pisses me off but not too often."

Zero: "And you likely were patched up to spec with the rest of your team. So no, we don't need it. However, if you want to remain a non-hostile on our list, you're going to have to remove it."

Panzer: "I dunno. Where is my team? I need to re-join them. Colonel isn't mad at me for being AWOL is he?"

Zero: "He's about as dead as robots get, having gone Maverick."

Panzer: "Sorry. No can do. I need it to infiltrate their base and kill Vava."

Zero: "You just vanished at the right time to miss out on the virus which killed him."

Panzer: "Colonel... Dead..." *She backs away and falls to her knees.*

Zero: "..." He thinks. "Okay... then we remove it AFTER you do that, since that would destroy the remnants of the Mavericks."

Panzer: "Who... Who killed Colonel? Was it you?"

Garrick nods once. "Well, if that's that, then we'll head out of here."

Zero: "Both me and X killed him. We had to, he was going to be another Sigma. I didn't want to. But he was beyond redemption."

Metal Man (GM): He points at Panzer.

Panzer's CPU adds Zero and X to her list of primary targets.

Zero: "Something which could happen to you, if you don't have that virus removed."

Panzer: "I need to go. Before I kill the both of you."

Garrick narrows his eyes slowly at that.

Rinith: >.>;

Digifanatic: .oO(This is nothing new.)

Kenku: "Ah, ok. Off to..." he stops short as he hears the ongoing conversation.

Garrick: "...let's get moving. Zero and X can handle this."

Dragoshi: "Yeeeaaahhh..."

Zero: "The urges to kill... are one of many Maverick Virus side-effects."

Julian: "I'm outta here." *Back to the ship.*

Kenku: "Ok." Kenku says and walks back toward the ship.

Panzer stands shakily and walks out, kinda funny. She turns her head and glares at Zero, eyes flashing purple a second.

Garrick turns on his heel, moving back out of the place to the ship.

Dragoshi: "...nah, that's normal for her." *Heads back to the ship.*

Rinith: *gets back to the ship as well.*

X: *Looks over.* "Oh, not again." He presses a button.

Zero: "We have developed systems to counteract the Maverick Virus."

Panzer: "I saved you from a junkyard and you repay me by killing my Commander and my friend, and my fucking unit. Your time will come, just as it will for the rest of the Hunters." She then just walked out, down the hall towards the front gate.

Zero: "I will find you, and I will remove that virus. You can't run away from your problems. You saved me long after I had done the deed."

Digifanatic: *goes for the ship.*

Panzer: "I've been running for two centuries. My problems will be solved by killing you. And X. Then everyone else. Don't worry, I shall have my virus upgraded and continue from there."

Kenku says once back aboard. "I hope Panzer can deal with her problem without making things worse..."

Garrick pauses... he glances to Julian.

Zero: "If it is upgraded..." He shakes his head. "Then you won't be able to make any decisions for yourself anymore."

Julian: "Wouldn't count on it."

Zero: "It's a dead end. You've been stuck in a deadlock for hundreds of years. The time has come for it to end."

Garrick: "Right... let's go."

Metal Man (GM): He takes out his saber.

Rinith: >.>;

Garrick flips a few switches, starting up the ship again and making to launch, heading back to the Mushroom Kingdom.

Zero: "If you want us in your battle thing, then you aren't going to aid a... ..." *Stares at the Questers as they are about to take off.*

Panzer unslings her rifle, locking the bolt back and loading it, forwarding the bolt and flipping the safety off. "I'll adapt to it like the last one. Put it away. I'll not hurt you now. I just wanted a saber to kill Vava." *She'd look at the Questers.* "They're not with me. I didn't feel like walking. And what do you mean deadlock? I'm a prototype. I was never supposed to be activated."

Zero: "You can't adapt to it. The scan shows you were infected with an old version right after it was patched against. Then you went to another dimension."

Garrick: "She's not affiliated with us, Zero. However, we are Questers. The job offers are open. You want us to do something, ask. And we'll do it."

Julian: "If she wants to do it too? So much the better."

Zero: "Well, I ask you stay, since..." He approaches Panzer. "Someone will have to take her back when she's been cured of that virus... if it hasn't infected her to the core. I don't want to do this either, but unlike those weak humans, I don't fear you. You're another reploid to me, I've killed them by the dozens. I can kill you too. I don't want to, I would much rather remove your infection. But if it has locked you up for good then I have no choice."

Panzer: "I will adapt. Just what makes you think I'm going to go crazy?"

Zero: "You're crazy right now."

Garrick: "Pretty much, yeah..."

Panzer chuckles. "If someone killed X, you'd be a little pissed too. You killed the only group to accept me."

Rinith: "She's sane in her own way?" =?

Panzer shakes her head. "I'm not crazy yet."

Garrick: *BANG.* *He fires his gun directly at the spot to the left of Panzer's foot.*

Zero: "They were killed by the virus before anything else did them in."

Garrick: "You shut your fucking mouth."

Rinith: >.O

Panzer looks at the small pockmark. "What're you shooting at me for? I'm not bothering you. I'm chatting with Zero you little fuck."

Zero: *He waves his hand at Garrick.* "You might want to be careful there. You're made out of flesh."

Garrick: "I'm made out of harder stuff than just flesh, so don't worry. The fact is, however, you're a damn liar, Panzer. I've read the logs and the reports. I've seen what the Questers did for you, time and time again."

Zero: "Now. All I ask is you use this to remove the virus. If you want to fool Vile, so be it, but it can be done without potentially becoming his servant."

Zero: "Make your choice. Smash that and you will be labeled a Maverick. Forever."

Panzer looks down at it. "You never helped me when I needed it."

Zero: "And your friends... well... I won't harm them, but I can't join in anything they do if they shelter a Maverick. It's hard to help when we've been apart by dimensions, time and space. This has been the first true continuation since you last vanished."

Garrick: "Make no mistake, Zero. We're not going to shelter her anymore if she won't listen to reason. I won't have it."

Kenku: "Panzer, don't be stupid! Take his help!" Kenku yells from the ship.

Julian: "She don't want any part'a us, anyway."

Panzer: "You're lucky I'm an honorable person or I would have blown off your head by now. I've been Maverick for years, so you say." She brushes a hand over the RepliForce insignia, a very age-worn and battered one on her shoulders.

Zero: "That insignia was corrupted to Sigma's ends. It means nothing anymore. Even if they survived, the military arm of our group has been reorganized."

Panzer picks up the program. "I'll consider using this when I have to." She glares at him. "It means everything. How -dare- you..."

Zero: "If you decide to take your time... just know that we will also consider you a Maverick in a week. Since I know it may take you a while. You are an old model--which means you shouldn't trust your judgment so quickly, when everyone else thinks otherwise."

Panzer: .oO(CPU: Assign target values, method, headshot? Y/N.)

Zero: "I am the prototype of the reploids. I know better than you how it is to be weak with morals and will. It was only by a random chance I became free from the virus. That virus was originally all mine. Do you not think I sometimes wish it was as easy as killing everyone who disagreed with me?"

Panzer watches him a long moment, he'd know what she was doing. She was having an internal conflict right now. She selected N.

Zero: "I have hated X when he has waffled. I have disliked the Maverick Hunters for tolerating creeps I'd just slash in two. But some of them aren't bad, and if they followed me alone, they would have died, just like I have, several times."

Panzer: "I do not care what you think. You were made for a purpose. I was not. I am not famous, I've carved my own niche. I only trust my own judgment. Maybe you should trust yours. Put the saber up."

Zero: "Hm?" He spins the saber. "I would never put it down with a suspected Maverick near me. Would you?"

Panzer: "You're a fool sacrificing yourself for others. Be lucky you're who you are. Were I to die, I'd just be dead." She smirks. "Do I have my weapon out? No. I have no intention of attacking you at the moment. Now. If you will excuse me. I have to go and do something."

Zero: "You have one week. Do not return early, either--as I cannot trust your judgment or actions until I know you are patched." He walks inside, his metaphorical gauntlet thrown down.